Baselworld 2014: Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches - Automatic, Power Control and Chrono
Baselworld 2014: Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches - Automatic, Power Control and Chrono
The new collection of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches is composed of three precision instruments intended to support drivers. This complete high-performance range is composed of three models: the Chrono, the Automatic and the Power control, all dedicated to the most prestigious of the classic Grand Prix races. Together, they embody Chopard’s passion for racing as well as its demanding horological standards.
Featuring racing cars dating from the 1920s through to 1985, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is by nature a multi-faceted competition that brings together a number of profoundly different machines. They all embody the mechanical excellence of their era and are driven in real-life conditions by passionately dedicated drivers.
Serving as sponsor and official timekeeper of the race since 2002, Chopard is also involved for emotional reasons. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president, is a keen aficionado of historical cars. For each edition, held every two years, Chopard has thus far presented a limited-edition chronograph – the type of model typically associated with racing. In 2014 and for the very first time, Chopard is launching a full-fledged collection related to this race. The new Grand Prix de Monaco range thus offers a complete range of watches featuring functions as varied as the three main types of car engines: V6, V8 and V12.
Three models, one spirit
The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic watch is the ultimate timekeeping instrument. Its COSC-certified self-winding calibre is very much like a V6 engine. It guarantees chronometric performance to match the demands of drivers and of Chopard itself. Playing the role of a V8 engine, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Power Control features a power-reserve indicator placed at 6 o’clock. Its appearance is directly inspired by petrol or oil gauges. Finally, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono is the V12 of the family. This powerful, sleek and noble instrument is the driver’s watch par excellence. The three Grand Prix de Monaco Historique models stem from a shared platform and are distinguished by an entirely reconsidered and new design. The chassis is a 44.5 mm titanium case chosen for its slightness, its hardness and its compatibility. Its case-back is engraved with the Automobile Club de Monaco logo and for this reason it is made of steel which is better suited to engraving. The lugs have been redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort. But the most significant modifications relate to the dial, which features a grooved and snailed surface, thus creating an impression of constant movement reminiscent both of high-speed racing cars and of chicane kerbs.
Elegance and vigilance
The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 collection sees the introduction of a new shade. Yellow is one of the basic colours in the racing vocabulary. This vibrant and highly visible hue stands for the speed and danger with which drivers live constantly. The luminescent hour-markers, the hands and the case-back are all designed to ensure that the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic, Power Control and Chronograph models are as easy as possible to wear, use and read. That is how Chopard sees racing: mechanical excellence, impeccable ergonomics, along with the elegance inseparably bound to the world of drivers.